Jian Wang. Bach Cello Suites Deutsche Grammophon 002894775228 GH2 CD and digital. Auditioned via Tidal 16bit /44.1Hz
Recorded 2003/4. Paço de Arcos (Portugal), Igreja da Cartuxa,
Cello played: by Amati brothers made in 1662. Loaned to the artist by Mr Sau-Wing Lam.
The Cellist.
Wang is an eminent Chinese cellist. He is renowned for the fact that aged only 10 years old he featured in a documentary made by Isaac Stern. This was filmed during his visit to China. This feature, called “From Mao to Mozart “ won an Academy award and features Wang playing a sonata by Eccles. Consequently, Wang then went on to study at the Juilliard school of music and enjoyed a lifelong mentorship from Isaac Stern. The following link is well worth using, for an interview with the cellist giving some very honest and revealing insights. I suggest you take the opening paragraph with a pinch of salt. The writer clearly adores this cellist.
https://interlude.hk/jian-wang-50/
This 2005 release is the first of two recordings. There has been a much more recent release from 2025, which I have listened to and pass comment on in the conclusion of this review.
The Recording.
I have no issues with the quality of the recording which does an excellent job of presenting the instrument and nothing else.
The Music.
This is a very conventional performance by which I mean it would appear to be played with modern set up. Long legato phrases tend to be used more than separately articulated passages. The tone is clear and strong but not with noticeable vibrato. Tempos are conventional with Sarabandes a little on the slow slide. Where this performer shines is in the subtle finesse used to shape and end phrases. The later Allemandes are a good example of this.
The Amati cello sounds sweet and pure in Wang’s capable hands. However, when it comes to the major Preludes we hear a strong confident and bold rendition. Technically there are no doubts that Wang is at the top of the ladder. Cross string work is immaculate and brings out the polyphony of the music well. Wang uses plenty of dynamics and varies repeats noticeably. He also displays a wide range of voices providing welcome contrast between the second and sixth Preludes. Also the transition from the fifth Sarabande to the Gavotte is very stirring.
In general, the dance movements have rhythm and style. There is good momentum throughout.
Summary.
I could find very little to criticise in this recording so it comes with an unreserved recommendation.
Jian Wang. Bach Cello Suites Deutsche Grammophon China CD 00028948783311 released 2025.
This appears to be a China only release but available widely on streaming platforms in HiRes 24bit 96 Hz.
Recorded at the Opera House of the Shanghai Conservatory of Music,
Cello used is a 1714 Matteo Goffriller cello
Many second or third recordings tend to be remarkably similar to the first. So much so that one wonders what the point was of making another recording. In this case the difference is remarkable. The dynamics are more exaggerated. The tempos are more varied with loss of pulse and momentum. The tone sounds forced at times and the articulation less distinct. The subtlety of the first is diminished although still there at times.
In short, I am still wondering what the point of this second recording was but this time because the first to my ears is so much more musical and pleasing. I’m sure a lot of the differences are down to the cello used as there can be no more contrasting instruments than the Amati and the Goffriller. A bit of a David v Goliath!
To Wang’s credit it appears that he took note of the criticisms made of his 2005 recording and resolved to address them. Personally, I think those comments were misplaced and the only mistake Mr Wang has made is to believe they were correct!
I think it is clear that I would not recommend this one!
Charles.